13,202 research outputs found
A complete characterisation of the heralded noiseless amplification of photons
Heralded noiseless amplifcation of photons has recently been shown to provide
a means to overcome losses in complex quantum communication tasks. In
particular, to overcome transmission losses that could allow for the violation
of a Bell inequality free from the detection loophole, for Device Independent
Quantum Key Distribution (DI-QKD). Several implementations of a heralded photon
amplifier have been proposed and the first proof of principle experiments
realised. Here we present the first full characterisation of such a device to
test its functional limits and potential for DI-QKD. This device is tested at
telecom wavelengths and is shown to be capable of overcoming losses
corresponding to a transmission through of single mode telecom
fibre. We demonstrate heralded photon amplifier with a gain and a
heralding probability , required by DI-QKD protocols that use the
Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) inequality. The heralded photon amplifier
clearly represents a key technology for the realisation of DI-QKD in the real
world and over typical network distances.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure
High efficiency coupling of photon pairs in practice
Multi-photon and quantum communication experiments such as loophole-free Bell
tests and device independent quantum key distribution require entangled photon
sources which display high coupling efficiency. In this paper we put forward a
simple quantum theoretical model which allows the experimenter to design a
source with high pair coupling efficiency. In particular we apply this approach
to a situation where high coupling has not been previously obtained: we
demonstrate a symmetric coupling efficiency of more than 80% in a highly
frequency non-degenerate configuration. Furthermore, we demonstrate this
technique in a broad range of configurations, i.e. in continuous wave and
pulsed pump regimes, and for different nonlinear crystals
Evaluation Factors for Multi-Stakeholder Broadband Visual Communication Projects
This paper presents a summary of multifaceted
evaluation factors that we have
identified through our research with
Broadband Visual Communication (BVC)
projects involving multiple stakeholders. The
main benefit of these evaluation factors is
that they provide a general evaluation
framework for multiple stakeholder projects.
The factors are social infrastructure,
technical infrastructure, physical space,
interaction style and content
Nineteenth-Century Popular Science Magazines, Narrative, and the Problem of Historical Materiality
In his Some Reminiscences of a Lecturer, Andrew Wilson emphasizes the importance of narrative to popular science lecturing. Although Wilson promotes the teaching of science as useful knowledge in its own right, he also recognizes that the way science is taught can encourage audiences to take the subject up and read further on their own. Form, according to Wilson, should not be divorced from scientific content and lecturers should ensure that not only is their science accurate, but that it is presented in a way that will provoke curiosity and stimulate interest. This paper discusses the influence of narrative in structuring scientific objects and phenomena, and considers the consequences of such presentations for historical research. As scientific journalism necessarily weaves both its intended audience and the objects under discussion into its accounts, these texts demand that we recognize their nature as social relationships inscribed in historical objects
Late-glacial and early Holocene lake sediments, ground-water formation and climate in the Atacama Altiplano 22–24°S
Precipitation rates in the Atacama Altiplano 22–24°S were 400–500 mm yr−1 during late glacial and early Holocene times as opposed to 200 mm yr−1 today. This humid phase (Tauca phase) was likely due to strengthened tropical (monsoonal) circulation, which brought continental moisture to the Atacama Altiplano. The lake level of Laguna Lejía (23°30′S, 4350 m) at that time was up to 25 m higher than it is today. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca data from lake sediments show that, what today is a highly saline lake was a freshwater lake at that time. Seasonally-laminated calcareous sediments were deposited between 13 500 and <10 400 yr B.P. indicating the maximum of the humid phase. Climatic changes in the past are important for current groundwater resources.14C and3H data from lake-, ground- and well water suggest that modern groundwater formation (i.e. water <40 years) in the Altiplano is very limited under current arid conditions. We conclude that significant amounts of the water resources in this area originated during the time of the late-glacial and early Holocene humid climate. Tritium data from snow samples show that the moisture in the Altiplano at 22–24°S is mainly of continental origin, whereas precipitation from the westerlies hardly contributes to the water supply in this area. This precipitation pattern matches the paleodata, and we suggest that current precipitation formation may provide an analogue framework for late-glacial circulation in this area
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